Syrian rebels seize Turkish border crossing

Rebels reportedly take control of a border gate on the Turkish frontier after a fierce battle to seize the crossing.

The fighting, which started Tuesday evening, was the first attempt by insurgents to assert their grip over the border zone in Syria's al-Raqqa Province.

The territory has previously remained solidly pro-regime.

Once the area was secure, a few Turkish locals came to aid the Syrian fighters.

(SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) UNIDENTIFIED AKCAKALE RESIDENT SAYING:

"I am carrying bottles of water to Syria, to the Syrian opposition. They are very thirsty. They have been fighting since last night. So I am taking water to them."

Rebels hold two other crossings on the northern border with Turkey.

The third border point now helps strengthen their control in the north and puts more pressure on the army as they battle for control of Aleppo, not far away.